How to Paint My Dining Table Dark

Dark-colored furniture is a popular way to bring a modern look to any room. Colors such as black, chocolate and espresso are good color choices when painting wooden furniture. Your dark dining table will be an appealing contrast to the room's other furniture pieces. It's nice to gather family and friends for a meal at an attractive dining table that you painted yourself. Follow these steps for preparing, painting and protecting your dining table to provide many years of use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Combine in a water bucket 1 cup of mild dish detergent and 4 cups of warm water. Using a clean sponge, wipe off of the dining table any surface dirt or dust. Rinse and let dry for 15 minutes.

2

Don protective eyewear and rubber gloves, and apply with a sponge a trisodium phosphate (TSP) heavy-duty cleaner, as directed on the container. The TSP will remove debris and clean the table.

3

Decide whether sanding is required. If the table has previous paint that is chipped or if there are rough surface spots then you will need to sand those areas with 100-grit sandpaper until smooth. Once finished, swipe a tack cloth over the areas to remove sanding dust and debris.

4

Add a canvas or plastic drop cloth to the floor of your work area to ensure that the floor is protected from paint drips and spills.

5

Apply a spray primer, according to the directions on the can, to the dining table if the surface has a glossy finish. The primer will give the paint a surface to bond to once it is applied. Many times one coat of primer is all that is required. Allow the primer to dry for the recommended time before painting.

6

Add the dark paint color of your choice. Stir the paint well with the paint stick before pouring the paint into the paint tray. Submerge the paintbrush into the paint about halfway down the bristles.

7

Spread the paint evenly across each leg of the table, working your way up to the table top. Use smooth, even strokes for consistent coverage, leaving your dining table free from paint runs.

8

Inspect the dining table for any areas you might have missed while painting to determine whether a second coat of paint is needed. Apply the second coat the same way as the first, and let it dry for the recommended time.

9

Protect your dining table with an application of clear varnish. Varnish provides a protective barrier against water stains, scratches and the like caused by daily wear and tear. Apply the varnish as directed on the container, and make sure you use a new paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry at least 48 hours before setting anything on the dining table.